Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc.

The Chavez family is an integral member of the NBG family. Owned by Dee and Merced Chavez, Berry Red Farms, based in Duette, Florida, has been a labor of love and dedication since its inception in 2004. What started with just 6 leased acres is now a thriving operation across 200 acres of strawberry fields. Merced, whose love for farming runs in the family, finds joy in seeing strawberry plants take root every October, marking the beginning of a new strawberry season filled with promise and growth. Dee, a former school teacher, joined the farm full-time in 2020. We are especially excited that Dee and Merced are currently building their own strawberry cooler at the farm, which is set to be operational later this year. This milestone underscores their commitment to innovation and sustainability within the agricultural sector. The Chavez family exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. We are proud to support their journey and look forward to witnessing their continued success in the years to come! #BerryRedFarms #FamilyOwned #AgriculturalInnovation #NBGFamily

Rich Amirsehhi, CEO of NBG, has been with the company for nearly three decades. We sat down with him for an interview on his career – and where he sees NBG heading in the future: Q: Can you tell us about your journey at NBG, from your beginnings to becoming CEO? Rich: I started with NBG in 1996 with an interest in fresh produce and with a background in processing. As I got to know the business, I began to have my own ideas about how we could improve and grow, and by 2000, I was honored to step into the CEO position. It's been a journey but I’m most proud that we’ve maintained our co-op roots. Q: What makes NBG unique in the berry industry? Rich: What sets NBG apart is our foundation as a grower-owned cooperative. Our ethos has always been "grower first." Our growers are at the heart of everything we do, and now as a private company my primary goal as CEO is to ensure they receive the highest returns possible. Q: How do you foster a sense of community among your growers and employees? Rich: NBG is truly a family. We have more than 150 dedicated growers and 90 employees who are all integral to our success. We cultivate a supportive work environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. Q: What excites you the most about the strawberry industry today? Rich: I'm thrilled by the resilience and growth potential in the strawberry industry. Seeing our growers succeed is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited to see pivots towards sustainability initiatives. Here at NBG, we’re working on solar-powered strawberry coolers, just one of the many projects being tackled industry-wide. Q: What does sustainability mean to NBG? Rich: Sustainability is a core focus for us. We emphasize safe growing practices and work closely with our growers to implement sustainable techniques. It's not just about checking a box: it’s about ensuring a healthy environment for future generations while maintaining high-quality produce. Q: How do you balance your role as CEO with your personal interests and family life? Rich: I’m still working on that one with the help of my wife and three kids. I do enjoy hunting and golfing, but I do tend to find myself back in a strawberry field often! Q: Where do you see NBG in the future? Rich: I envision continued growth and innovation. Strengthening our partnerships with current growers, bringing on new growers, and expanding our sustainable practices. Ultimately, I want more people to know what makes NBG special and a leader in the berry industry. And I want everyone to eat more strawberries!

Naturipe Berry Growers had the pleasure of attending Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s eighth annual Field Day, where we learned about everything the students and staff have been working on. We are proud to sponsor this Field Day that brought together hundreds of strawberry growers, researchers, and industry leaders from California and beyond to delve into the latest advancements in strawberry cultivation. From exploring automation technologies to discussing the intricacies of plant pathology stations and entomology, every session was packed with valuable insights and innovative ideas. NBG's VP of Sustainability, Research and Technical Director and operations and R&D staff were on hand for this invaluable experience. The exchange of ideas and best practices will undoubtedly influence the future of agriculture. A huge thank you to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) for such an informative – and fun – event! #StrawberryFarming #AgriculturalInnovation #CalPoly #FieldDay #Networking

As a pioneer in the berry industry, Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc. is dedicated to bringing you delicious strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. We’re owned by growers for growers, and we work hard to empower our growers with the strength and stability to control their crop marketing and distribution effectively. Starting operations in 1917, we’ve evolved over the years and with the help of our industry partners, together we formed Naturipe Farms—a globally recognized berry marketing leader. Today, with over a century of expertise and a commitment to sustainable practices, Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc. stands tall as an industry trailblazer. Join us on this exciting journey! Follow our LinkedIn page to stay updated on our latest innovations, sustainable practices, industry insights, and more. Let’s grow together! #NaturipeBerryGrowers #BerryIndustry #SustainableAg #Innovation #GrowWithUs #IndustryLeader